Withdrawal Symptoms Of Opiate Dependency

2012
05.06

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Opiate Dependency

We are now living in world where almost everything is needed in an instant. Almost everything is available within our reach. Our world is moving faster than ever before and that is why many people nowadays are finding various means to cope with the challenges in our environment and situation. More people are seeking for an instant fix-relieving themselves from the daily stress of living and finding comfort from drug abuse. Thus drug addiction is very rampant and there is an alarming rate of increase.

Most people who are addicted to opiates are really after the feeling of euphoria, the tranquilizing effect and feeling of sedation. But the truth of the matter is that people who are addicted to opiates are using to prevent the opiate withdrawal symptoms. This is very true for those who have abused this substance for a long time and for those who use on a regular basis. There is a variation of withdrawal symptoms of opiate dependency in terms of the period of time that a user has stopped or reduced the intake of opiates.

From the very moment an opiate user stopped or decreased the amount of the substance the most common initial reaction from it are anxiety, agitation, restlessness, sweating, difficulty falling asleep and muscle aches. These will manifest within 12 hours of the last drug usage. The next wave of withdrawal symptoms will include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, dilated pupils, nausea and vomiting. Usually these symptoms will last for about 7 days.

An opiate is a powerful narcotic drug that affects the brain directly by targeting the brain receptor cells. It alters the state of mind of the opiate user in as little as ten minutes for an injected opiate. When taken intravenously the opiate will reach the brain for a quick or instant high. Opiate substances like heroin, morphine and other powerful pain medications are responsible for the decrease or stoppage of the brain to produce the natural painkilling hormone called Endorphin thus the need to use them increases and the dependency to opiates starts getting stronger.

This is how this substance works on the brain. The more a drug dependent uses opiates, the more he will need a higher dosage or the frequent usage of this substance to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. The urge to use the drug is strong for people who are struggling with opiate dependency.

Opiates have been around for a long long time now. Since the discovery of the opium plant took place the use of this type of drug started. Long before it had reached the streets of our cities, opiates were intentionally used for their medicinal purposes. It was used for almost all types of ailments that man can imagine, from the most common pain like headache to more complex mental illness like insanity.

Through the passing of time man discovered its other alternative use. Now in our modern society it is used often for recreational purposes. Other people would say that they use it only for recreation without realizing that they are already hooked on opiate dependency. Denial among drug users is very strong, and on most time, the people around the drug dependents are the ones tormented by their drug dependency.

Withdrawal from opiate dependency can be painful both physically and mentally towards the dependent. Since we know that opiates have power over the mind of the user, this is why when a user finally decides to go for treatment in hope of recovery it is very vital to seek the help of the professionals in this field. A drug dependent must be closely monitored and sometimes medicated in order to go through the withdrawal symptoms.